UPDATE: 2nd Threat Made To Livingston High School, Authorities Say ‘Not Viable’

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Authorities are reacting to a second alleged threat to “shoot up” Livingston High School in the midst of the district’s Back to School Nights.

The second reported threat, made via social media on Monday, caused school officials to announce a two-hour delayed opening at the high school on Tuesday, although all other schools opened on time.

Livingston High School is hosting a Back to School Night on Tuesday evening. Additional Back to School Nights will take place throughout September at MPE, Collins, Harrison, Riker Hill, Hillside, MPM and Burnet Hill schools, according to the district website.

The first threat was made on Sunday when a person reportedly posted a Facebook message that stated they had been bullied and planned to “shoot up” Livingston High School on Monday morning, and that it would be "judgment day for anyone who attempts to stop the violence.”

Livingston police deemed that threat to be “not credible” but continued to investigate, school administrators stated on the district website.

• See related article: Livingston Schools Respond To Violence Threat; Deemed Not Credible, Report Says

On Monday, Superintendent Christina Steffner issued a statement about the threat.

“School safety is the primary concern for all of us in the Livingston community as we work together in response to a threat made against the high school,” Setffner wrote. “While we understand the angst of parents when it comes to the safety of their children, we want to reassure you that the threat, while deemed by police not credible, continues to be thoroughly investigated and all measures to secure the school are in place.”

Steffner added that the district is in close communication and coordination with police and the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.

“We are unable to provide specific information about the incident as this is an ongoing police investigation,” Steffner stated. “For our part, school leaders are continuing to take all steps to increase school security for the safety of students and staff both at the high school and across the district… The high school will continue to operate on a normal schedule, and from my walk-throughs this morning, I can assure you that the school is running smoothly and calmly. The high school administrative team has worked tirelessly throughout the night and today to ensure students feel safe. Principal Stern addressed the entire student body and staff this morning to establish a sense of calm. He also thanked the students, teachers and parents who quickly brought the information to our attention.”

Steffner said that counselors are available to speak with students who are having difficulty, and encouraged parents and guardians to use the opportunity to discuss the dangers of making inappropriate or threatening social media posts.

Livingston police provided a statement about the alleged threats on Monday:

“The Livingston Police Department and the Livingston School District are aware that many students and parents have seen disturbing posts through social media last night and today as it pertains to our high school. We have been in constant contact with each other and are actively investigating the threats. Please know the Livingston Police Department does not view this as a viable threat. At the same time, in the interest of the safety of our students and school community, police presence and involvement at LHS will be heightened over the next several days. To the extent further information is available to share with you; we will do so at the appropriate time.”

FiOS1NewsNJ published a picture of the scene around the high school Tuesday morning.

Photo: FiOS1NewsNJ

Reporting by Tom Davis and Eric Kiefer